ICRS 2020 Postponed to 2021

Since the beginning of March, we all have been faced with the very dynamic and global spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Based on developments in Germany and worldwide, we do not want to risk supporting the spread of COVID-19 by the symposium. We also recognize that the likelihood of travel restrictions being lifted in time for the symposium is extremely low.

Thus, together with our partners, we have come to the very difficult, but necessary, decision to postpone the 14th ICRS to the week of 18 - 23 July 2021.

We are pleased that we were able to achieve this solution together with our partners, although it was a great challenge and effort to realise this postponement. The planning of conferences and events for 2021 is already quite advanced and at the same time very tense. This is due to the COVID-19 crisis, which currently affects the majority of events scheduled for 2020.

Not only conferences, but also coral reefs worldwide are currently in a very difficult situation. Developing science-based solutions for the global coral reef crisis requires a platform that brings together researchers, conservationists, reef managers, and decision makers for personal dialogue. Saving the ICRS, The global quadrennial coral reef conference, was therefore our highest priority. Now is the time to stand together and join forces to tackle the challenging future of coral reefs!

The postponement has severe financial implications for us organisers in many respects, including the payment of cancellation fees, the extension of staff contracts in the conference secretariat and credit card fees/banking charges in the event of re-processing of registration fees. Our negotiations with contractors and service partners resulted in fair compromises, but we could not completely avoid cancellation fees.

We therefore kindly ask for your loyalty and continued support:

In return, we guarantee that participants and institutions that accept this carry-over of their registrations will benefit from the fees for 2020 and will not have to pay the possibly increased fees in 2021.

The Bremen Convention Bureau team will contact you shortly to inquire about your decision regarding your registrations and hotel bookings. Please do not contact the Bremen Convention Bureau or the booked hotel in advance.

Many thanks for your understanding. We hope to welcome you in Bremen in July 2021 under much better circumstances. Please stay healthy and safe!